Computer Technology

1. POWER SUPPLYPOWER SUPPLY

2. Power SupplyPower Supply
It is a part of computer that converts theIt is a part of computer that converts the
power from a wall outlet into the lowerpower from a wall outlet into the lower
voltage, typically 5-12 volts DC (Directvoltage, typically 5-12 volts DC (Direct
Current), required internally in theCurrent), required internally in the
computer. Power Supply is usually rated incomputer. Power Supply is usually rated in
watts, ranging from 90 to 300 watts.If awatts, ranging from 90 to 300 watts.If a
power supply of a computer fails, nothingpower supply of a computer fails, nothing
works, not even the fan.works, not even the fan.

3. Power supply Form FactorsPower supply Form Factors
The motherboard needs power and powerThe motherboard needs power and power
supply provides it. All power supplies aresupply provides it. All power supplies are
categorized by several characteristics, onecategorized by several characteristics, one
of which is the form factor. This termof which is the form factor. This term
describes the physical dimensions of thedescribes the physical dimensions of the
power supply and the types of powerpower supply and the types of power
connectors it provides to power theconnectors it provides to power the
motherboard. The form factors are asmotherboard. The form factors are as
follows:follows:

4. PC/XT/ATPC/XT/AT
The original power supply form factor gotThe original power supply form factor got
its name from the IBM PC/XT. In addition toits name from the IBM PC/XT. In addition to
power connectors for peripherals, thepower connectors for peripherals, the
power supply also provided a motherboardpower supply also provided a motherboard
power connection using two separatepower connection using two separate
connectors, called P8 and P9, that pluggedconnectors, called P8 and P9, that plugged
side by side into the motherboard.side by side into the motherboard.

5. PC/XT/ATPC/XT/AT
The AT power supply had the sameThe AT power supply had the same
motherboard and drive connection as themotherboard and drive connection as the
PC/XT, but also featured a remote powerPC/XT, but also featured a remote power
switch to allow users to power up theirswitch to allow users to power up their
computers from the front rather thancomputers from the front rather than
having to reach around to the back or side.having to reach around to the back or side.

6. Baby AT/LPX form FactorBaby AT/LPX form Factor
The baby AT form factor got its name fromThe baby AT form factor got its name from
the simple fact that it was a smaller versionthe simple fact that it was a smaller version
of the original AT form factor. With theof the original AT form factor. With the
exception of its smaller physical size, theexception of its smaller physical size, the
baby AT had the same power connectors asbaby AT had the same power connectors as
the AT and used as a replacement for ATthe AT and used as a replacement for AT
form factor power supplies.form factor power supplies.

7. ATX/NLX Form FactorsATX/NLX Form Factors
The year 1995 saw the introduction of theThe year 1995 saw the introduction of the
ATX form factor, and it was the first timeATX form factor, and it was the first time
that genuine standard for boththat genuine standard for both
motherboard and their associated powermotherboard and their associated power
supplies was created. Physically the ATXsupplies was created. Physically the ATX
power supplypower supply

8. At/NLX From FactorAt/NLX From Factor
The year 1995 saw the information of theThe year 1995 saw the information of the
ATX from factor, ant it was the first timeATX from factor, ant it was the first time
that genuine standard for boththat genuine standard for both
motherboard and their associate powermotherboard and their associate power
was created . Physically the ATX powerwas created . Physically the ATX power
supply was almost identical to the babysupply was almost identical to the baby
ZT/LPX form factor , with the exception thatZT/LPX form factor , with the exception that
the monitor pass-through power connectorthe monitor pass-through power connector
was now completely gone. Big changeswas now completely gone. Big changes

10. WTX Form FactorWTX Form Factor
It was introduced by Intel in 1998. This formIt was introduced by Intel in 1998. This form
factor is usually only seen on larger, morefactor is usually only seen on larger, more
powerful systems. The WTX is completelypowerful systems. The WTX is completely
different from all earlier form factors. It isdifferent from all earlier form factors. It is
designed for multiple CPU and multipledesigned for multiple CPU and multiple
drive system, such as servers and high-enddrive system, such as servers and high-end
engineering workstations i.e. Superengineering workstations i.e. Super
Computers.Computers.
Form Factors and Connectors.Form Factors and Connectors.

11. Molex and Berg Connectors.Molex and Berg Connectors.
All power supplies, regardless of type,All power supplies, regardless of type,
sport several identical Molex connectorssport several identical Molex connectors
for attaching to drives(Hard Disk, Floppyfor attaching to drives(Hard Disk, Floppy
Disk, Tape Drives). Most modern powerDisk, Tape Drives). Most modern power
supplies also include the smaller Bergsupplies also include the smaller Berg
connector used to power 3connector used to power 311
/2 inch Floppy/2 inch Floppy
drives. If power supply does not have anydrives. If power supply does not have any
Berg connectors, it can be purchased onBerg connectors, it can be purchased on
adapter that can convert a Molex to berg.adapter that can convert a Molex to berg.